LPU students develop an IoT-enabled AgriTech solution to automate climate monitoring and environmental control in mushroom farming
Lovely Professional University (LPU) continues to promote experiential learning and innovation through its EduRevolution approach, with students developing technology-driven solutions to address real-world challenges. One such innovation is ANKUR, a student-led AgriTech project that brings automation and IoT-enabled monitoring to mushroom cultivation.
Developed by ECE (VLSI and Design) students Mukut Roy and Pawan Rathore, ANKUR is designed to create a controlled and efficient environment for mushroom farming by automating critical cultivation processes. The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller, integrated with multiple sensors and automation modules, to continuously monitor key environmental parameters including temperature, humidity, airflow and moisture.
Based on real-time sensor data, the system can automatically regulate connected equipment such as humidifiers, exhaust fans and water pumps, helping maintain suitable growing conditions for mushrooms. This reduces the need for constant manual monitoring and intervention, while enabling more consistent environmental management throughout the cultivation cycle.
The innovation demonstrates how the integration of IoT, embedded systems and automation can be applied beyond conventional engineering applications to address challenges in agriculture. By enabling real-time climate monitoring and automated environmental control, ANKUR has the potential to support resource-efficient farming, improved productivity and greater consistency in mushroom cultivation.
Beyond its technical capabilities, the project also highlights the potential for technology-led solutions to contribute to the growing field of precision agriculture. Its modular and scalable approach could enable the technology to be adapted for different cultivation environments and potentially expanded for commercial applications in the future.
The project has also received appreciation from Biofactor (Biofac Inputs Private Limited, Hyderabad), recognising its innovation and potential for practical and commercial application. The acknowledgement further underlines the relevance of student-led innovation in developing solutions that can move from academic environments towards real-world use.
ANKUR reflects LPU’s emphasis on providing students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges. Through the EduRevolution approach, students are encouraged to experiment with emerging technologies, identify challenges across industries and develop solutions with tangible real-world applications.
The project represents how engineering, agriculture and emerging technologies can converge to create smarter and more sustainable farming practices, while preparing the next generation of innovators to develop technology solutions for the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.